The exercise scenarios began when both ships were alongside in Salalah, Oman. Boarding procedures were practised and the Italian Marines and Japanese Boarding Team shared methods of stopping and searching vessels. The exercise continued at sea in the Gulf of Aden; the ships sailed together in close formation and the Italian helicopter took the opportunity to practice cross-deck landings.

Operation Atalanta’s cooperation with other multinational Task Forces in the area of operations is key. Not only does it foster good relations between international naval forces, it also serves to ensure maritime-security is maintained across the enormous area and assets are tasked appropriately to deter and disrupt piracy off the Somali coast.